VET Festival 2018 delivers on promise

VET Festival 2018 delivers on promise to provide new and inspiring paradigm of CPD for veterinary professionals

On Friday 8th and Saturday 9th June, VET Festival, in partnership with Centaur Services, returned for its fourth year delivering ‘Veterinary Education for Tomorrow’ to a record number of over 1700 delegates in attendance across the two days. The two-day outdoor conference held at Loseley Park, Guildford, truly lived up to its name as it provided unparalleled inspiration and education of the highest possible standard.

Held in a fun, festival environment, VET Festival featured over 35 international speakers that delivered the most relevant CPD applicable to small animal practice today, supported by 40 leading exhibitors.

Continuing the theme of the event from 2017, the theme of ‘Wellness’ was truly at the heart of the festival. Delegates enjoyed a collegiate, relaxed and vibrant atmosphere with a Wellness Hub, festival games and healthy food to enjoy between lectures.

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick said: “We are absolutely buzzing after an incredible two days in Loseley Park for VET Festival 2018. We could not have asked for more, inspiring top class lectures, sunshine, and an all-round feeling of comradery and togetherness to celebrate the veterinary profession. I am grateful to everyone who worked so hard to create this unique and special conference which has great purpose and meaning behind everything it stands for. We sincerely want to support each and every member of the profession and all of the companion animals we’re lucky enough to serve.

You have to be there to feel it. I would urge everyone who came this year to tell their friends and colleagues about their experience, because we really do want this field to become a destination for everything that’s wonderful about our great profession. We want to get better every year.

We promise to always listen. What you want this event to be, we will aim to provide. We also promise to never lose sight of why we do this at all. We will always strive to deliver what will be of tangible value to folks in all aspects of our profession, both personally and professionally. Wellness and looking after each other for the greater good will always be a core theme alongside outstanding CPD in a relaxed and fun outdoor setting.

It is time to blow away the myth that learning isn’t always engaging and fun. It absolutely can and should be! Let’s do what makes us happy, and invest in ourselves and the future of companion animal practice. This sense of community, compassion and collegiate learning was evidenced in abundance by everyone who was in the field 8th and 9th of June this year.”

Centaur Services were the Headline Partner of VET Festival 2018 who supported the conference theme of Wellness, and sponsored the Wellness and Team Building stream.

Once the lectures ended on Friday, the VETFest Conversation took place between Professor Noel Fitzpatrick and special guest Jonathan Ross OBE. The atmosphere was attentive as the pair shared some intimate insight into their lives and shared their views on how being connected to other people transcends industries and backgrounds and that everyone should be kinder, and more supportive of one another.

Afterwards the music began for delegates to unwind with friends and colleagues at the VETFest™ Party Night. Acts included Radio 2 DJ James Carpenter, and popular band MadHen who went down a storm.

Delegate feedback from VET Festival 2018:

The best veterinary event in Europe! Vet Surgeon

Best vet conference I’ve been to in 32 years! Vet Surgeon

Brilliant atmosphere full of inspiration and love, Hydrotherapist

Innovative, progressionist and refreshing concept for vet CPD and support (wellness) in a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere. Worth the money! Unique. Consulting Pathologist

Super fun, relaxed and completely different to other conferences! Vet Nurse